Samuel



S. G. LITTLE.

FLOORING. I

(No Model.)

v Patented Aug..4, 1885.

7 WITNESSES da If ZJVVEJV'TOR M J W M/ 4 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SAMUEL O. LITTLE, OF MOUNT VERNON, INDIANA.

FLOORING.

CEECIFICATIGN forming part of Letters Patent No. 323.697, dated August4, 1885.

Application filed January 8, 1885. (No model.)

To aZZ whom, it may concern: V

Be it known that I, SAMUEL O. LITTLE, a citizen of the United States,residing at Mount Vernon, in the county of Posey and State of Indiana,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Flooring, of whichthe following is a specification, reference being had therein to theaccompanying drawings.

My invention relates to improvements in flooring, and is designed toproduce a means whereby the said flooring may be easily and quicklysecured in place, and yet not necessitate the insertion of thesecuring-nails from the surface, thus leaving a smooth and neat finish.I

In describing the means employed for the purpose reference is had to theannexed drawing, showing in a perspective view a portion of the flooringas laid.

A designates the joists supporting the floor ing, which consists of aseries of strips, B, of any desired length, size, or shape desired; alsoof different kinds of material for ornamentation.

In the drawing alternate dark and light strips are shown, it being acommon and convenient mode of producing a pleasing effect.

Each strip is provided with one or more grooves, C, on the side orsides. These grooves are of any desired shape, and extend longitudinally in the strip. The preferable form of groove is that shown,having two faces, one at about right angles to the other, the facewhichmay be designated as the base of the groove being at an angle to thebottom of the strip.

It is through the base of the groove that the fastening'device isforced, the angle at which it is driven tending to cause each strip tofit snugly against the previous one. The strips may be also secured byfastening devices driven through the side of the strip not 00- cupied bythe groove. The fastening devices driventhrough the strip from the baseof the groove enter the joist or other support of the floor. Thus itwill be seen readily that While the strips forming the floor aresecurely held all joints will be firmly closed, and the surface leftunbroken, smooth, and nicely finished, as before stated.

I am fully aware that flooring-boards provided with a tongue and groovehave been used; also, that fasteningdevices have been driven through thebase of said groove, to hold the boards in place. This I do not claim.

hat I claim is a A strip for flooring having one edge grooved, toreceive the securing devices, and the corresponding other edge plain,substantially as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence .of two witnesses.

. SAMUEL C. LITTLE.

\Vitnesses: H. A. MoPHnRsoN. J AMES ELLIs.

